Joystiqhttp://www.joystiq.com
Joystiqhttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gifJoystiqhttp://www.joystiq.com
en-usCopyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/metal-gear-online-gets-worthy-bikini-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/metal-gear-online-gets-worthy-bikini-pack/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/metal-gear-online-gets-worthy-bikini-pack/#comments
Konami has a whole week of "surprises" lined up for the one-year anniversary of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots' release. So, surprise: Metal Gear Online has received an unlikely update in the form of bikini-clad babes. Rather than draw form the series' pool of female characters, the pack lets players roll their own originals, complete with sultry -- even scandalous! -- "taunts."

The DLC is free for players who already have the GENE expansion pack purchased and installed. No amount of money will get your dignity back after friends catch you testing the ladies' over-the-top "jiggle simulation." (Or simply watching the video of others doing it after the break.)

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-onlinemetal-gear-solid-4metal-gear-solid-4-dlcmgomgs4Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/metal-gear-online-race-mission-detailed-patriot-perk-sounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/metal-gear-online-race-mission-detailed-patriot-perk-sounds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/metal-gear-online-race-mission-detailed-patriot-perk-sounds/#comments
Konami has released more specifics on the new "Race Mission" mode and "Patriot" feature for Metal Gear Onlinewe first told you about last week. First up, the Race Mission is aptly titled, as it sees two teams attempting to pass through racing game style checkpoints after tracking down their oh-so-adorable frog and duck KEROTAN and GA-KO items. The mode's rules state that if the item is dropped and not picked up in time, its team will have to seek it out at a random spawn point. We're only guessing that the match is won by whichever team passes through the most checkpoints with cuddly mascot in-hand, as Konami oddly left that bit out. All will be revealed come May 12.

Not forgotten in today's update was word of the Patriot system, which -- at least at first -- sounds like a cool reward for the game's best players. Basically, the game will select a random set of top players each week as "Patriots," granting them access to a Patriot .56mm "hand rifle" ... which has infinite ammo and doesn't require reloading. Let's see: MGO's best players with infinite ammo and no need to reload. Sounds fair, right? We'll find out how it works out starting May 26.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-onlinemetal-gear-solidmetal-gear-solid-4mgoMon, 11 May 2009 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/metal-gear-onlines-scene-expansion-adds-new-skills-and-emblems/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/metal-gear-onlines-scene-expansion-adds-new-skills-and-emblems/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/metal-gear-onlines-scene-expansion-adds-new-skills-and-emblems/#commentsClick to embiggenMetal Gear Online's Scene expansion will be available tomorrow for $10. It'll include content such as new maps, characters and customizable parts. In addition to all that, Konami has revealed today that Scene also includes two new elite emblems and three upgradable skills. The Fighting Fish emblem is earned by "playing a series of Deathmatches," while the Arctic Skua emblem is earned by "playing a series of Solo Capture missions." Unlock these two and get a free in-game shirt for your troubles.

Check out the emblems and some new screenshots in our gallery. Also, details on the three new skills: CQC EX, Toughness and Charm can be found after the break.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimetal-gearmetal-gear-onlinemgoonlineshooterMon, 16 Mar 2009 19:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/metal-gear-online-scene-expansion-adds-playable-raiden-vamp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/metal-gear-online-scene-expansion-adds-playable-raiden-vamp/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/metal-gear-online-scene-expansion-adds-playable-raiden-vamp/#commentsclick to embiggen
It's about time that Metal Gear Online got back on the scene with a brand-new expansion pack. As revealed by Famitsu, this third DLC pack from Konami, titled "Scene," brings more Metal Gear Solid 4 characters and new map locales into the online battlefield. Both Vamp and Raiden will be added to the playable roster in this expansion, and three new territories are available to explore: "Hazard House" (a countryside manor), "Outer Outlet" (a shopping arcade) and "Revaged [sic] Riverfront" (a riverside town).

Though these first details currently only pertain to a Japanese release, we expect Scene to hit worldwide just like the Gene and Meme expansions that came before it. There are only two questions left that need answering: When should we expect Scene to arrive .... and what new word that rhymes with "spleen" will Konami use for the next expansion?

[Update: Konami just sent out a press release stating that the Scene expansion will be available in North America by March. Those who pre-order the pack off Konami's shop one week ahead of release will get complimentary "cardboard man" headgear. We've also got new screen shots and some new details on the maps after the break.]

Update version 1.20 has hit Metal Gear Online. Not only does it bring all the new characters and maps of the MEME expansion, the update will have some freebies. Notable changes include the a "headshots invalid lobby" which will disable all one-hit KOs from headshots, an "Interval" rule that allows for games that won't influence your online stats and a "Stealth Deathmatch" mode where all players are equipped with Stealth Camouflage. For all the details, take a gander at the full list of updates, after the jump.

Those of you still keen on Metal Gear Online's multiplayer scene take note: The MEME expansion pack will officially careen onto servers on Nov. 25 (pre-order it on Nov. 18, if you wish), priced at a not-too-obscene $9.99. It'll also be bundled with the previous GENE pack for $14.99, ideal for players still lean on downloadable content for Hideo Kojima's epic most Byzantine.

Joining the battlefield (as seen in three new maps) are Mei Ling and perpetual source of mean, Liquid Ocelot. We look forward to shooting him in the, uh ... spleen?

Konami announced this morning that Metal Gear Online has enlisted its 1 millionth soldier. To celebrate, the publisher is launching an in-game "Commemorative Campaign" from November 25 to December 9. Anyone who logs into MGO during that period will receive 10,000 reward points (to be added after Dec. 9) that can be used at the in-game rewards shop. Additionally, 30 people (10 from Europe, North American and Japan) will win 100,000 reward points in a draw being held on December 16.

The publisher has announced a second expansions, MEME, due out later this year. A GENE/MEME bundle of both expansions will be available this "holiday season" for $14.99. Not included in the expansions: A Konami ID disintegration device.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimetal-gearmetal-gear-onlinemgoPS3Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/konami-launches-commemorative-campaign-for-mgo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/konami-launches-commemorative-campaign-for-mgo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/konami-launches-commemorative-campaign-for-mgo/#comments
In honor of reaching a count of one million members worldwide for Metal Gear Online, Konami plans to celebrate and treat MGO players to an early Thanksgiving. Starting November 25 and running until December 9, Konami is awarding all MGO players with 10,000 reward points which they can use in the in-game online shop. Just log into MGO during the redemption period, and you'll get the points.

Also, those who avail of the free 10,000 points may be one of the 30 lucky people to receive an additional 100,000 reward points. 10 people from each region (Japan, North America, Europe) will be selected on December 16, after the main Commemorative Campaign ends. If that's not enough, then there's always the special Gene/Meme bundle pack to grab at $14.99. This dual expansion bundle will be available sometime during the "holiday season."

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimetal-gear-onlinemgoMon, 03 Nov 2008 21:10:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/new-metal-gear-shirts-also-good-for-mgo-avatars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/new-metal-gear-shirts-also-good-for-mgo-avatars/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/20/new-metal-gear-shirts-also-good-for-mgo-avatars/#comments
Say what now? You want Metal Gear t-shirts, but you only want them if your digital self in Metal Gear Online could have one too? Well then, look no further for Konami is bringing up just that ... in Japan. KonamiStyle is putting three new shirts out on the store in celebration of the new MGO Meme expansion. Along with each tee comes a voucher code which customers can use to download digital versions of the very shirt they've bought and stick it on their MGO characters.

If you're planning to import (if it's even possible), you'll want to know that the shirts costs ¥3,465 ($32) each. However, we're not entirely sure if the voucher code would function outside the Japanese version of the game; so it's probably best not to try. Still, have a look at the designs over at KonamiStyle. Maybe one day Konami will decide to bring stuff like this over Stateside.

The new Meme expansion pack for Metal Gear Online was announced not too long ago. Along with it comes the addition of new maps and two playable fan favorites: Liquid Ocelot and Mei Ling. Both of whom stand tall in this new Meme expansion trailer from the Tokyo Game Show.

The TGS 08 trailer also shows off the new maps revealed before: Silo Sunset, Forest Firefight and Winter Warehouse. Also, we get to see some all new customizable parts for your characters. Want an Ocelot stache? Maybe you want to wear that flower Sunny always wears? If those options don't float your boat, you could always put on a blond fro or croc helm.

Thanks to the game's M rating we've placed the trailer after the break. So make sure you're of age before taking a peek. We'll be watching!

Oh Metal Gear Online, where did it all go wrong? Well, Kojima has a pretty good idea. Still, Konami hasn't given up on its multiplayer extension of MGS4, revealing a second major content update, the "Meme Expansion," which will be featured at TGS next week.

Included in the expansion are three new maps: Silo Sunset (from Portable Ops), Forest Firefight and Winter Warehouse. In addition, Liquid Ocelot and Mei Ling will be added to the perpetual battlefield. The Meme Expansion has yet to be priced and dated.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimeme-expansionmetal-gear-onlinemgoPS3psntgs-2008Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mgos-second-expansion-coming-playable-at-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mgos-second-expansion-coming-playable-at-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/mgos-second-expansion-coming-playable-at-tgs/#comments
Still playing Metal Gear Online? If you are, you've probably played the original game and the first expansion "Gene" to death already. It might just be about time for a new expansion; Konami seems to agree. According to these new magazine scans, MGO's second expansion dubbed "Meme" will feature both Liquid Ocelot and Mei Ling as new prized characters.

Then there are a handful of new maps: Silo Sunset, Forest Firefight and Winter Warehouse. It shouldn't be too difficult to figure out what those maps will look like judging by their respective titles. Silo Sunset, however, seems to be set in an area with ruined buildings and not actually inside a massive silo.

A price and date has not been specified, though we can't imagine that a price would be any different from the previous Gene expansion. It looks like the earliest anyone would be getting their hands on the new expansion would be at Tokyo Game Show -- where it will be open to the public.

Gene expansion can be a tricky undertaking, as Konami learned this past Thursday when the first premium Metal Gear Online expansion pack was released and promptly generated a host of service issues. Actually, in Konami's words: "major system related problems" (and we're not just talkin' convoluted access this time). In fact, so damaging has the upgrade been that it takes a 37-entry timeline just to brief us on the drama leading up to the completed refund on Saturday. For those wondering about the "foreseeable future," here are the most current updates:

MGO Shop - "At 18:00 on July 19th 2008, there are still no permanent solutions as yet. IP restrictions still stand, but it is planned that a different will be used and we expect the waiting times for purchases to be improved as a result."

Reward Shop - "At 18:00 on July 19th 2008, there are currently no set time schedules on its re-opening. We will make further announcements on this site should the situation change in any way, so please keep checking the site for further updates."

"We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere apologies for the problems that have affected all our customers that have been with us since the start of the 'Premiere Beta,'" Konami writes, concluding, "We are currently doing all in our powers to bring a permanent solution to the ongoing problems in the quickest possible time." In the meantime, we suggest you play through the single-player campaign ... again!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gene-expansionkonamimetail-gear-onlinemgoPS3psnMon, 21 Jul 2008 15:50:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/metal-gear-online-free-and-paid-expansions-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/metal-gear-online-free-and-paid-expansions-available-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/metal-gear-online-free-and-paid-expansions-available-today/#comments
Today's PSN update will feature the Metal Gear Online "Gene Expansion." It will come in two varieties, starting at $11.99. The basic expansion will add Meryl and Akiba as playable characters, and three new maps:

Coppertown Conflict -- Wide streets, underground passages, and rooftop areas that are ideal for close to medium range combat.

Tomb of Tubes -- An intricate labyrinth of underground passages that are ideal for close to medium range combat.

Virtuos Vista -- An outdoor map with natural terrain that is ideal for medium to long range combat.

In addition, there will be a new "Survival Mode" and you will be able to create a custom female character. For $14.99, players will also get an additional character slot.

If paying money doesn't suit your tastes, Konami is still adding free DLC to the Metal Gear Online experience today. Metal Gear Online will also be updated with MGOnline Reward Points and an in-game shop. By playing the game, filling out questionairres and winning tournaments, players will earn Reward Points which can be used to unlock new gear for your character. This will be available for all players of Metal Gear Online.

Last week we reported on the contents of the first expansion pack for Metal Gear Online, titled Gene Expansion -- new maps, new characters, new game mode, and a new reward system. Now we have a solid release date and price for the pack for Europe: July 17th and €9.99. Unfortunately, there isn't any mention of the Plus version of the expansion pack which includes an extra character slot. Read all about the contents of the Gene Expansion at the official website.

Another week of lackluster releases today. Only Japan has anything to write home about, with a standalone Metal Gear Online pack and Tears To Tiara, a Strategy RPG that was originally released on the PC. No actual software for Europeans, unfortunately, just wireless buzzers for Buzz! which ... is kind of pointless, if you've already grabbed Buzz! Quiz TV. At leas you can also use them with the PS2 versions of the games. Here's the full release list:

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euroreleasesmgoreleasesMon, 14 Jul 2008 13:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/mgo-to-expand-soon-with-the-gene-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/mgo-to-expand-soon-with-the-gene-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/mgo-to-expand-soon-with-the-gene-expansion/#comments
Whether you played the Metal Gear Online beta or you thought you'd give it at try after completing Metal Gear Solid 4, you've probably fallen in love with the game by now. Don't get complacent though, the surface of Metal Gear Online hasn't been scratched yet, as evidenced by the first expansion pack for the title, which has been detailed on the official website.

There's no sign of a price for the upcoming "Gene Expansion Pack," but its contents have been laid bare for us to drool over. Included are three new maps ("City of Sorrow," "Underground Waterway" and "South American Power Station"), two new playable characters (Meryl and Johnny), each with their own special abilities, a new game mode (Survival) and a new reward system. Phew. That's a lot of content.

Playing in Survival mode allows you to earn Reward Points, which can then be spent to kit out your characters in new gear. Speaking of characters -- females enter the fray with this expansion pack and for those of you who don't have any more character slots available to make one, there's a "Gene Expansion Plus" package which includes everything mentioned above plus another character slot.

Metal Gear Solid 4 may be in the can, but development of Metal Gear Online continues. When we last spoke with Kojima Productions associate producer Ryan Payton, he confirmed that the MGO team would be busy for some time expanding and patching the multiplayer Metal Gear experience. Today July 4 saw the release of one of the fruits of its labor: a new game mode.

Called "Team Sneaking," the mode is similar to "Sneaking" in that one team - not just Snake as in the latter mode's case - is invisible until detected and must hide from the opposing team until the Caution expires. The sneaking team also has an objective to complete inside their opponents' base.

Today's update also adds a "Headshots Only" option for game hosts. As the name implies, games with this modifier will only reward points for headshots. (Kills from shots to the body will actually subtract points from players' scores.) The update is live now and free of charge. Just fire up MGS4, head into MGO, and you're good to "Go! Go! Go!"

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlckonamimetal-gear-onlinemgoPS3Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/tired-of-sneaking-alone-check-out-the-new-mgo-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/tired-of-sneaking-alone-check-out-the-new-mgo-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/tired-of-sneaking-alone-check-out-the-new-mgo-mode/#commentsMetal Gear Online got a server-side update today which added a new free gameplay mode. "Team Sneaking" pits one team, equipped with Stealth, against another team which is defending a target. Stealth'd players can be spotted, like in the single player game, and will then be visible until the caution meter goes down. We only tried it out a couple of times, but "Team Sneaking" games seem to go by quite quickly.

A new ruleset has also been added, which can be played in most of the game modes. The name of this ruleset, "Headshots Only," is pretty self explanatory. Any non-headshot kills suffer a points penalty, which makes the game that little bit more interesting. These additions are only the beginning -- no doubt we'll see more added before too long.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimetal-gear-onlinemgoFri, 04 Jul 2008 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/payton-metal-gear-solid-5-could-be-a-prequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/payton-metal-gear-solid-5-could-be-a-prequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/payton-metal-gear-solid-5-could-be-a-prequel/#commentsAccording to a preview of an interview with 1UP, assistant producer Ryan Payton said in regards to the possibility of Metal Gear Solid 5: "there are some misunderstandings that this is the final Metal Gear game. But it's really the final chapter of the Solid Snake story." He further states that if Snake's story continues past MGS4, "we'll get to the point where the game has absolutely no basis in reality." Payton also hinted at who might be the future star of the next MGS game: there is "still a lot of room for filling in the gaps as far as Big Boss is concerned." 1UP's Philip Kollar interprets all of this as Konami having nowhere to go with the series except for prequels to "continue fleshing out that same epic narrative."

Payton also talks about Metal Gear Online; they are "working on a handful of new maps, skills, and rules that we're bug checking at the moment ... It's not going to be too long before people are going to start seeing screenshots of the new stages ... By the time you're tired of the maps that come in the game, it'll probably be around the time we'll be bringing out the new ones."

More details will be revealed as the full interview is published on 1UP later today.

Update: The full interview has been posted here. In response to rumors in Famitsu about Kojima already thinking about MGS5, Payton confirms that it is true. This also confirms Kojima's involvement, at least to some degree, in the next installment.

For some people, Metal Gear Online is a nice extra that comes on the same disc as Metal Gear Solid 4. For others - which we refrain from calling crazy - MGO is actually more exciting to them than Kojima's blockbuster single-player game.

For those weirdos gamers who fall into the strictly MGO camp, Konami has announced plans to make the online multiplayer game based on MGS available as its own, stand-alone product ... in Japan. The disc will set buyers back $17 and be content-identical to the client that comes on MGS4's biggie-sized 50GB Blu-ray disc. MGO is set to receieve a number of gameplay and content updates in the coming months, including new characters, items, and maps.

We've contacted Konami for any word - good or bad - on the stand-alone MGO's prospects of coming Stateside via PSN or other delivery methods. No word back yet, but we wouldn't count a PSN release out.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kojima-productionskonamimetal-gear-solid-4Metal-Gear-Solid-4-Guns-of-the-Patriotsmgomgs4PS3Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/japan-getting-mgo-stand-alone-blu-ray-expansion-pack-coming-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/japan-getting-mgo-stand-alone-blu-ray-expansion-pack-coming-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/18/japan-getting-mgo-stand-alone-blu-ray-expansion-pack-coming-in/#comments
It's hard to imagine anyone who wants to play Metal Gear Online who doesn't already have a copy of Metal Gear Solid 4. Despite this, Konami Japan will be releasing a standalone Blu-ray version of the Metal Gear Online "Starter Pack" found on the MGS4 disc. This will go on sale for 1800 yen on July the 17th, over a month after MGS4's original release.

The blurb for the game reveals a vague date for the first Metal Gear Online expansion, which could be available in late July. Obviously there's no word on what the expansion will contain, but we're hoping for a couple more levels and/or gameplay modes. To be honest, we'll take anything we can get. MGO is already a great game in its own right and any expansions will be gratefully received.

If you spent your entire weekend sneaking through Blood Bath and Gronznyj Grad, Metal Gear Online's first two levels, you may be ready for a change of scenery. Introducing Midtown Maelstrom, a Middle-Eastern town full of narrow alleyways. Maybe you're also looking for something new to do, as long as you've got a new map.

Sneaking Mission is the name of the newly added game mode and here's how it works: one lucky player will be chosen to play as Solid Snake himself - replete with OctoCamo, Solid Eye and, if more than ten players join, another player will help snake out as Metal Gear Mk II - while the remainder of the less fortunate players will be divided into Red and Blue teams. In order for Snake to win, he must snag a set number of tags from other players; for either team to win, they must take out Snake within a set time. Not a bad way to celebrate three stable days of the Metal Gear Online beta, eh?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsKonamiMetal-Gear-OnlineMetal-Gear-Online-betaMGOPS3Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:57:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/mgo-update-brings-new-map-game-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/mgo-update-brings-new-map-game-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/mgo-update-brings-new-map-game-mode/#comments
So by now you probably know your way around Blood Bath and Gronznyj Grad like the back of your hand and you're starting to want more from your Metal Gear Onlineexperience. The European beta has now been updated with a third map and a new gameplay mode. The new map, Midtown Maelstrom, is a medium size level set on the street of a war-stricken town. Hence the name.

As for the new gameplay mode, we expect the Sneaking Mission to be incredibly popular for the sole reason that Snake is a playable character. One player takes on his role, complete with OctoCamo, Solid Eye and other handy items (how does he carry so much stuff while sneaking around?). The aim is to move silently around the map trying to collect dog tags by defeating other players. If more than ten people are playing then another player takes the role of Metal Gear Mk II in order to help out Snake. Meanwhile two teams battle it out as usual.

So far we're loving the beta and an entire new map and game mode just three days in makes us go all a-tingle. This content should arrive for America after the maintenance work on the servers which will be occurring later.

Quick! Boot up your Metal Gear Online beta, download that one final patch (it doesn't take too long, we promise) and report for duty. The highly anticipated demo just went live a little earlier than expected (delay notwithstanding) for all territories. You'll need to create a character (fyi: you won't be able to change your name, face, or 'voice') and pick your initial skill set before firing up a match. After a couple unsuccessful attempts, we got into one but conveniently had no idea what to do so we're going to recommend you spend some time training.

Want to play some MGO with your pals at Joystiq? Leave your character name in the comments. To add someone to your MGO-specific friend list select "Personal Data," then "Player Search," enter their name and select "Add to Friend List."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsKonamiMetal-Gear-OnlineMetal-Gear-Online-betaMGOPS3PSNFri, 25 Apr 2008 11:41:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/mgo-beta-now-online-for-all-territories/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/mgo-beta-now-online-for-all-territories/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/mgo-beta-now-online-for-all-territories/#comments
The Metal Gear Online beta is now fully operational. Another (thankfully, smaller) update has been released which will need to be downloaded first. Once done you will be able to play -- as long as you can connect to the server. Obviously they're being hammered right now, so it make take a few tries to get on. Didn't take us more than three attempts, so persevere. Once in, you can create a character and start your training before heading into a proper online game. Be sure to let us know what you think. Enjoy!

The regrettably delayed Metal Gear Online beta is fast approaching; in fact, with the servers going online in less than a day, it's close enough that we could probably sneak up behind it, snap its neck, and shove it in a locker somewhere. But, before all that, Konami has one (we hope) last patch, to "modify the way in which the beta client connects to their server."

We'd love to tease them and suggest they add more than one "server" but the patch's release note also contained the following apology: "We would like to first offer our most sincere apologies to our customers who had waited eagerly for the start of the 'Metal Gear Online Premiere Beta' test for all the inconvenience and confusion caused thus far." You know what, Konami? We wanted to stay angry with you, but we can't pout at a classy apology like that. We know it's a beta and we know you're taking this opportunity to iron out all the kinks before the real deal starts June 12. But hey, as long as we're still working out the kinks, might we humbly suggest you lose the ridiculous Konami ID + Game ID + PSN ID requirement?

There's nothing "quick" about having to register three unique IDs to play the Metal Gear Online beta. But, assuming most would-be participants have already got a PlayStation Network account, the real pre-game obstacle has been the Konami ID and its supplementary Game ID. Since the beta (with its laggard update patch) was released for download last Wednesday, the Konami ID registration site has been a case study in how not to prepare for a traffic spike. Thankfully, the site is now back online with a temporary "quick registration" option for those of you eager to push past the bureaucracies and land in some actual gameplay, um, rather, return to the waiting room...

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamikonami-idmetal-gear-onlinemetal-gear-online-betamgoPS3Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:58:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/konami-id-site-retooled-for-speed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/konami-id-site-retooled-for-speed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/konami-id-site-retooled-for-speed/#comments
The most frustrating thing about the Metal Gear Online beta hasn't been the broken beta keys, the huge patch and client download or even the delay. It's trying to get a Konami ID from a website that simply refuses to work. Thankfully, that's in the past. Konami has retooled the ID registration website to be much more streamline and, as a result, much faster for all involved.

So if you haven't managed to get your hands on a Konami ID, now's your chance. Make sure you get one before Friday the 25th so that you can jump straight in once the beta begins. So long as it doesn't get delayed again, that is.

Konami has updated the status of the Metal Gear Onlinebeta delay, now listing the "planned" start date and time as: 04/25/2008 24:00 (PDT). "While the start is planned for the weekend, it may change due to unforseen [sic] circumstances," reads an additional warning on the Metal Gear Onlineteaser site. Sheesh, guess it ain't called a "beta test" for nothin'...

On the eve of its debut, the Metal Gear Online US public beta has gone AWOL. More accurately, Konami has announced that the beta has been delayed due to "extraordinary levels of traffic from all around the globe" causing service problems.

Konami did not give a new starting date for the beta, only to say that more information will be coming tomorrow, April 22. The end date, however, has been pushed back from May 5 to May 11. (Update: fixed date.) For those who need a fix desperately can peep the online manual for the game, including a listing of the 16 skills you can choose from to enhance your stealth killer.

Update: Konami has set a tentative start date and time: 04/25/2008 24:00 (PDT) -- more here!

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabreakingnewsdelaykonamimetal-gear-onlinemgoPS3Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:54:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-metal-gear-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-metal-gear-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/20/ps3-fanboy-hands-on-metal-gear-online/#comments
PS3 Fanboy attended New York Comic Con this weekend and got the chance to play several upcoming games, including Metal Gear Online. Konami's booth hosted the game with four-on-four action on the "Blood Bath" map. Andrew, two friends, and myself took on four other gamers excited to play MGO.

The first thing we saw before hitting the battle map was the weapons screen. Here, you need to choose one riffle type weapon, a sidearm, and grenades. There's a good selection of weapons within each category; however, it's still unclear whether all 70 plus weapons promised in MGS4 will make their way into MGO. Once we finally hit the battleground, we proceeded out in a unified team formation. Playing around with the controls, we noticed that MGO was pretty much a standard shooter experience -- which is a good thing as it felt very natural.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetacodecontestjoyswagkojimakojimaproductionskonamimetalgearonlinemetalgearsolidmetalgearsolid4mgomgs4PS3Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/konami-replacing-botched-metal-gear-online-beta-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/konami-replacing-botched-metal-gear-online-beta-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/konami-replacing-botched-metal-gear-online-beta-codes/#commentsFiled under: Sony PlayStation 3, Action, OnlineFans of Kojima's genre-defining stealth action series only have to wait two more days until Konami flings wide the floodgates of the Metal Gear Online beta, giving North Americans with a pre-order bonus access code fourteen days to hide in cardboard boxes or perform questionable chiropractic procedures to their heart's content. Unfortunately, there are a number of Snakes-in-training who dropped a Lincoln to secure an incomplete beta code, due to a printing error at Konami HQ.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacodekojimakojimaproductionskonamiMetal-Gear-Solid-4-Guns-of-the-Patriotsmetalgearmetalgearonlinemgomgs4ps3Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/konami-will-replace-broken-beta-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/konami-will-replace-broken-beta-codes/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/konami-will-replace-broken-beta-codes/#comments
Brandon Laurino of Konami Online has written another post on the PlayStation.Blog to address a number of questions people have had about the Metal Gear Online beta. The most pressing query being about a number of Metal Gear Online beta keys missing digits and, therefore, being unusable. People who are affected by this are advised to contact Konami Support, making sure to include your broken code and a return email address.

Laurino continues to answer more questions from users. While he does so we find out that Konami representatives will be participating in the beta themselves and that we should "stay tuned" for more info. This is also the case if you are after more details on the "gunmetal PS3" bundle which was announced last week. Funnily enough, though, no mention has been made of the fact that it is currently impossible to get a Konami ID from the website. The beta starts on Monday, so we're hoping that will be fixed before then. Otherwise Konami could have a lot of angry PS3 owners on their hands.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kojimakonamimetal-gear-onlinemgoFri, 18 Apr 2008 20:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/some-metal-gear-online-beta-codes-invalid-downloads-impossible/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/some-metal-gear-online-beta-codes-invalid-downloads-impossible/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/some-metal-gear-online-beta-codes-invalid-downloads-impossible/#comments
It appears that a few unfortunate PS3 owners have received invalid Metal Gear Online beta codes. While PSN redemption codes are usually 12 digits long, many are finding 9 digit codes instead. Attempts to use these abbreviated codes have been met with a frustrating error screen. Unless Konami rectifies this situation, these people will be unable to download or join the beta.

We've contacted Konami, but have yet heard back from them. For now, we can only advise affected readers to email Konami support at mgobetasupport AT konami.com. We'll update this post when we find out more information.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betametal-gear-onlinemgoThu, 17 Apr 2008 18:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/european-psn-update-for-april-17th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/european-psn-update-for-april-17th/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/european-psn-update-for-april-17th/#comments
The second of this week's PSN Store updates is already up. While it's a little slimmer than the one earlier this week everything on the list below is worth grabbing. Especially as it's mostly all free. The only thing that isn't free is the Warhawk expansion, but we're sure you won't mind shelling out a few measly quid for that. Here's the full release list for today:

Don't forget that while the MGO Beta client is available now, the servers won't be open for business until April 21st. In the meantime you can sign up for a Konami ID and make sure you're ready to start playing as soon as possible. We know the next four days are going to be going pretty slowly for you, so why don't you try out Operation Broken Mirror to take your mind off it?

Sure, in Europe the Metal Gear Online "Premiere Beta" is open to any and all who wander into the PlayStation Store beginning, well, right now. But that's just not how we do things here in America! ( ... and Canada.) We prefer our beta testing to be ultra-exclusive. We prefer passing a crisp bill across the counter in exchange for an entry code (and a DVD of some old footage). But, if you've been feeling distinctly un-American (shame on you!) and have failed to pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4, here's your chance to sneak right into the Metal Gear Online beta. Joystiq wants to welcome you to Konami's swanky 14-day parté by giving away one, single, solitary entry code into the beta (just one). Follow these five, deceptively simple rules to enter: